For years, BetterDiscord has been the default answer for users who wanted Discord to feel more personal, more powerful, or simply less cluttered. Themes, plugins, custom CSS, quality-of-life tweaks, and interface experiments made it popular with power users. But BetterDiscord is no longer the only option, and depending on what you want, it may not even be the best fit.
TLDR: If you want a modern replacement for most BetterDiscord features, Vencord is usually the strongest all-around choice. Replugged is better for users who like a plugin-focused, developer-friendly experience, while Vesktop is ideal if you want Discord desktop features with Vencord built in. Mobile users can look at projects such as Bunny or Aliucord, depending on platform and compatibility.
Why Look Beyond BetterDiscord?
BetterDiscord still has a large community, but Discord client modding has changed a lot. Many users now want mods that are lighter, easier to update, less likely to break after Discord changes, and more focused on built-in quality-of-life features rather than huge plugin libraries. Others are switching because they want better performance, native Linux support, mobile customization, or a more modern plugin ecosystem.
It is important to understand that client mods are unofficial. Discord does not officially support them, and using them can violate Discord’s Terms of Service. In practice, many users run client mods without issue, but you should still be careful. Avoid plugins that automate user actions, spam, self-bot, scrape data, bypass paid features, or ask for your token. A good mod should improve your interface, not put your account at risk.
1. Vencord: The Best All-Around BetterDiscord Replacement
Vencord is one of the most popular modern Discord client mods, and for many users it is the easiest recommendation. It replaces a large portion of what people used BetterDiscord for: small interface tweaks, chat improvements, privacy controls, useful shortcuts, theme support, and visual customization.
What makes Vencord especially strong is its built-in plugin collection. Instead of hunting through random plugin pages and hoping they still work, users can enable many features directly from Vencord’s settings. This makes the experience feel more polished and less fragmented than older plugin-based setups.
Notable Vencord strengths include:
- Large built-in plugin library: Many popular tweaks are available without manually downloading plugin files.
- Frequent updates: The project is actively maintained and reacts quickly when Discord changes its client.
- Privacy-focused tools: Features such as typing indicator controls, read-state tweaks, and tracking reduction are common reasons people switch.
- Theme and CSS support: Users who liked BetterDiscord themes can still customize the look of Discord.
- Cross-platform options: Vencord can be used across different desktop environments and is also integrated into Vesktop.
Vencord is best for users who want BetterDiscord-like functionality without feeling like they are assembling everything from scratch. It has a strong balance of convenience, performance, and feature variety.
2. Vesktop: A Better Discord Desktop App for Vencord Users
Vesktop is not just a plugin manager; it is a custom desktop client built around Discord’s web experience with Vencord included. For users who want to replace the official Discord desktop app while keeping familiar features such as screen sharing, notifications, rich presence, and plugin support, Vesktop is one of the most compelling options.
The biggest appeal is that Vesktop can feel cleaner and more predictable than patching the standard Discord client. It is especially popular among Linux users, because it can offer a smoother experience than the official desktop app in some setups. It also gives users access to Vencord’s plugin ecosystem without requiring the same kind of client patching process.
Vesktop is a good choice if you want:
- A desktop Discord client with Vencord features built in.
- Better support for certain screen sharing and Linux workflows.
- A cleaner separation from the official Discord installation.
- Modern quality-of-life modifications without relying on BetterDiscord.
Think of Vesktop as a more complete environment rather than a simple mod. If Vencord is the engine, Vesktop is the vehicle built around it.
3. Replugged: A Flexible Plugin Platform for Power Users
Replugged is another strong BetterDiscord alternative, especially for users who value flexibility and a more traditional plugin-centric setup. It grew from the legacy of earlier client modding projects and focuses on extensibility, developer tools, and modular customization.
Where Vencord emphasizes a curated collection of built-in tools, Replugged feels more like a platform. It is appealing if you enjoy experimenting with plugins, testing community-made features, or building your own additions. For people who liked BetterDiscord because of its plugin freedom, Replugged may feel familiar while still being more modern in structure.
Replugged is especially useful for:
- Developers who want a flexible environment for creating Discord modifications.
- Advanced users who prefer modular plugins over bundled feature sets.
- Theme enthusiasts who want visual customization and CSS support.
- Experimenters who like trying community tools before they become mainstream.
The tradeoff is that Replugged may require more attention from the user. You may need to be more careful about plugin sources, compatibility, and updates. Still, for those who enjoyed the deeper customization side of BetterDiscord, Replugged remains one of the top choices.
4. OpenAsar: Performance Improvements Without Heavy Modding
OpenAsar is different from BetterDiscord, Vencord, or Replugged. It is not mainly about themes or huge plugin collections. Instead, OpenAsar focuses on replacing Discord’s app archive with a lighter, open-source alternative that can improve startup speed, reduce bloat, and make the desktop client feel snappier.
If your favorite BetterDiscord “feature” was simply making Discord feel less sluggish, OpenAsar is worth knowing about. It is especially useful for people who do not want a full plugin ecosystem but still want a faster client experience.
OpenAsar may be right for you if:
- You care more about performance than cosmetic customization.
- You want fewer moving parts than a full client mod setup.
- You are comfortable using smaller, focused tools.
- You want Discord to launch faster and use fewer resources.
OpenAsar does not replace BetterDiscord’s entire feature set, but it does replace one of the most common reasons people modify Discord in the first place: improving the desktop app experience.
5. Bunny: A Modern Option for Mobile Discord Mods
BetterDiscord has traditionally been a desktop-focused tool, but many Discord users now want customization on mobile too. Bunny is one of the more modern names in the mobile Discord modding space and is often discussed as a successor or alternative to older mobile mod projects.
Mobile modding is more fragile than desktop modding because Discord’s mobile apps change frequently, and platform restrictions can be stricter. Still, Bunny is notable because it aims to bring plugin-like customization to mobile users who want more control over their Discord experience.
Mobile users may look at Bunny for:
- Interface tweaks that are not available in the standard mobile app.
- Plugin-style enhancements on supported mobile platforms.
- A more customizable Discord experience away from the desktop.
- Community-driven improvements that mirror desktop modding culture.
Because mobile client mods can vary heavily by operating system, device, and Discord version, users should check current compatibility before relying on Bunny as a daily driver.
6. Aliucord: A Classic Android Choice
Aliucord is one of the best-known Discord client mods for Android, especially among users who wanted BetterDiscord-like plugin functionality on mobile. It became popular for bringing themes, plugins, and interface customization to Android when few other options existed.
Its main limitation is compatibility. Aliucord has historically depended on older Discord Android builds, so it may not suit users who want the latest official Discord mobile features. However, it is still worth mentioning because it helped define what mobile Discord modding could look like.
Aliucord is best for users who:
- Use Android and are comfortable with older app versions.
- Want a plugin and theme system inspired by desktop modding.
- Prefer a more established mobile modding community.
- Do not need every new feature from the latest Discord release.
If you are looking for a mobile equivalent to BetterDiscord, Aliucord is still a recognizable name, but modern users should compare it carefully with newer alternatives.
7. Shelter: Lightweight, Minimal, and Focused
Shelter is another Discord client mod that appeals to users who prefer a lightweight and minimal approach. Instead of trying to be the largest plugin ecosystem, Shelter focuses on being fast, simple, and less invasive. It is a good reminder that not every BetterDiscord replacement has to be packed with hundreds of features.
For some users, the ideal mod is one that adds just enough flexibility without making Discord feel unstable. Shelter fits that philosophy. It can be attractive to people who want a smaller surface area, fewer risks from complex plugins, and a cleaner customization experience.
Consider Shelter if you prefer:
- A lightweight client modding experience.
- Simple customization over massive plugin libraries.
- Lower overhead and fewer unnecessary features.
- A more minimal alternative to BetterDiscord-style setups.
How to Choose the Right BetterDiscord Alternative
The best replacement depends on which BetterDiscord features matter most to you. If you want a simple answer, start with Vencord. It covers the widest range of common needs, including themes, privacy tweaks, chat improvements, and quality-of-life features. If you want Vencord in a dedicated app-like environment, choose Vesktop.
If you are a developer or plugin enthusiast, Replugged may be more appealing because of its modular nature. If your goal is performance rather than customization, OpenAsar is a smarter fit. For mobile, Bunny and Aliucord are the names most worth researching, though compatibility should be checked carefully.
Safety Tips Before Using Any Discord Client Mod
- Download only from official project sources. Fake installers and copied plugin pages can be dangerous.
- Never share your Discord token. No legitimate theme or plugin needs it.
- Avoid automation plugins. Anything that self-bots, spams, or bypasses limits increases account risk.
- Keep backups. Save your theme files, CSS, and settings before switching clients.
- Update regularly. Outdated mods are more likely to break or behave unpredictably.
Final Thoughts
BetterDiscord helped popularize Discord customization, but it no longer stands alone. Vencord has become the most practical replacement for many users, Vesktop offers a polished desktop environment, Replugged keeps the plugin-heavy spirit alive, and OpenAsar focuses on performance instead of visual extras. On mobile, projects like Bunny and Aliucord show that customization is not limited to desktop users.
The best option is the one that matches your habits. If you want convenience, choose a curated tool. If you want control, choose a modular platform. If you want speed, choose something lightweight. Discord modding is always changing, but today’s alternatives make it easier than ever to replace many BetterDiscord features with tools that feel faster, cleaner, and more modern.